A reader makes his suggestion for how Nintendo should handle the next gen consoles… and compares that to what theyre actually likely to do.
With more news and leaks emerging about the PlayStation 5 and Project Scarlett almost every week its more obvious than ever that were now entering the final furlong of the current generation. But even with the addition of streaming it feels like we all know pretty much what to expect when it comes to the new consoles. The unpredictability comes in when you add Nintendo to the equation, but more so than ever because nobody seems to have any clue what theyre planning or when.
I saw the rumours his week about the Switch Mini, but whether that particular leak is real or not Nintendo are bound to be planning something similar at some point. Theyve done that with all their previous portables and its usually come about a third of the way through its life, with another new model about a third in again. So does that mean the Switch still has another six or so years in it?
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Maybe? I mean, that is what Nintendo has said a couple of times and while the Switchs graphics are clearly well behind the curve theyre at a level where theyre probably going to be good enough for a long time. And yet when the Switch ends up looking many times worse than a smartphone in 2025 I dont think that many people are going to be willing to put down £250+ for a hybrid console any more.
So what are Nintendos options? To a degree I think its dependent on how much horsepower can be crammed into a console that size, which is not something Im qualified to comment on. People complain about the power of the Switch, but Im constantly impressed by how good the games look on such a small device. So if the next one looks as good as the PlayStation 4, and its always one generation behind (or slightly less) then Im actually okay with that.
The Switch is so convenient I think that more than compensates for the lack of power. But that in itself creates a kind of problem, in that theres no obvious way for Nintendo to innovate with a new console. Everyone loves the Switch form factor, so just changing it for the sake of it would be really damaging, in my opinion. But just having a Switch 2 thats basically the same but with more power and a better screen just does not sound like the way Nintendo do things.
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Theyre stuck between a rock and a hard place and theres also the other issue that the Switch is the perfect way to use streaming. The problem is for streaming that you really need a controller and no one wants to carry that around with them, except… well, I think you can see where Im going with this. Basically, streaming is even more reason not to change the design of the Switch.
And yet changing it anyway, missing out on obvious potential and easy money, while producing another white elephant like the Wii U sounds like the most Nintendo business decision ever.
So whats my suggestion? Well, given all the above Id say the best way to go is a Switch Pro in the next yeRead More – Source
